Written Answers Thursday 13 August 2009

Scottish Executive

Air Services

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the return of the former air route development fund in light of the decision by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to introduce a European Commission-approved air route development scheme.

Stewart Stevenson: There are no plans to resurrect the air route development fund in light of the approval of the Cypriot Tourism Organisation (CTO) scheme. The CTO scheme was approved under the framework of the EC guidelines on start-up aid to airlines. We do not believe that the guidelines would allow a level of support which would materially influence airlines’ decision-making processes. In addition, the Cypriot scheme is limited to the development of routes from only three EU member states. We will, however, monitor the outcome of the tendering process by which the CTO is awarding aid.

Concessionary Travel

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many companies are suspected of abusing or defrauding the national concessionary travel scheme.

Stewart Stevenson: Transport Scotland undertakes a significant amount of validation work prior to any claims for reimbursement being processed. Only a limited number of claims are further investigated as potentially fraudulent.

  Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will release a statement on the current situation regarding the abuse or defrauding of the national concessionary travel scheme.

Stewart Stevenson: Information relating to Transport Scotland’s fraud strategy will be published in its annual report later this year.

  George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-25247 by Stewart Stevenson on 29 July 2009, whether it will guarantee that the setting of the reimbursement rate payable to bus operators will not result in any adverse changes in the eligibility criteria for the free bus travel scheme.

Stewart Stevenson: The work we have commissioned to improve the evidence for setting the reimbursement rate for operators under the Scotland-wide older and disabled persons concessionary bus scheme will not have an adverse impact on those who are currently eligible to make use of the scheme.

Early Years

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to invest in new play areas.

Adam Ingram: On 11 August 2009, the Scottish Government announced a new programme totalling £4 million over the next two years, which will be managed by Inspiring Scotland and will provide the basis for a sustainable and active play sector in Scotland.

  Go Play is aimed at 5-13 year olds and is designed to help improve facilities and services in areas where children have the least opportunities to develop through play.

  Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what finance it has made available to local authorities to provide new play facilities for children in each year from 2008 to 2011.

Adam Ingram: No specific funding has been allocated to local authorities for new play facilities for children. We are, however, working closely with local government and community planning partners to implement the Early Years Framework which highlights the very important contribution which play can make to a child’s health and development.

  It is the responsibility of each local authority, in conjunction with their community planning partners, to allocate the funding on the basis of their local needs and priorities, taking into account their statutory obligations and jointly agreed national and local priorities.

  Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects every local authority to include children’s play in its single outcome agreement.

Adam Ingram: Through the single outcome agreement process, local authorities and community planning partners are responsible for securing improved outcomes for children in their local areas, where necessary realigning resources to support the priorities in the Early Years Framework which include children’s play.

  Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to local authorities on the provision of play areas in local communities.

Adam Ingram: The Scottish Government has not issued specific guidance to local authorities on the provision of play areas in local communities.

Employment

Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been introduced to provide skills training to 18 to 25-year-olds in the last 12 months.

Fiona Hyslop: The national training programmes offered by Skills Development Scotland continue to provide skills training for this age group. The national training programmes include Modern Apprenticeships, Skillseekers, Get Ready for Work and Training for Work. The national training programmes are available nationwide.

  Through ScotAction, launched on 10 June, individuals can also benefit from our skills support package for leading Scotland out of recession and on to economic growth. As part of ScotAction we have announced:

  The Adopt an Apprentice Scheme that will help us deliver on our guarantee to apprentices to find them alternative employment so that they can complete their Modern Apprenticeship. The scheme gives employers a £2,000 helping hand to take on a redundant apprentice;

  An additional 3,150 Training for Work places;

  Doubled the number of Modern Apprenticeships in health and social care to over 2,100;

  Support for 1,250 adult apprenticeships in health and social care, including Level 4 Management MAs;

  One hundred "2 for 1" life sciences apprenticeships;

  An additional 170 early years apprenticeships in 2009-10 for 16-19 year olds and

  An additional 2,000 retails apprenticeships.

  Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been introduced to provide skills training to over 25-year-olds in the last 12 months.

Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been introduced in the east end of Glasgow to provide skills training to over 25-year-olds in the last 12 months.

Fiona Hyslop: Modern Apprenticeships offered by Skills Development Scotland continue to provide skills training opportunities for this age group. Modern Apprenticeships and Training for Work are available nationwide.

  Through ScotAction, launched on 10 June, individuals can also benefit from our skills support package for leading Scotland out of recession and on to economic growth. As part of ScotAction we have announced:

  The Adopt an Apprentice Scheme that will help us deliver on our guarantee to apprentices to find them alternative employment so that they can complete their Modern Apprenticeship. The scheme gives employers a £2,000 helping hand to take on a redundant apprentice;

  An additional 3,150 Training for Work places;

  Doubled the number of Modern Apprenticeships in health and social care to over 2,100;

  Support for 1,250 adult apprenticeships in health and social care, including Level 4 Management MAs;

  One hundred "2 for 1" Life Sciences apprenticeships;

  An additional 170 early years apprenticeships in 2009-10 for 16-19 year olds and

  An additional 2,000 retails apprenticeships.

  In addition to this, we announced the re-introduction of funding for adult Modern Apprenticeships in printing, meat processing, bakery and professional cookery in January this year. This is a change that benefits those over 20 years of age.

  Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been introduced in the east end of Glasgow to provide skills training to 16 to 18-year-olds in the last 12 months.

Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been introduced in the east end of Glasgow to provide employment assistance to 16 to 18-year-olds in the last 12 months.

Fiona Hyslop: We announced on 13 May 2009 that we would be piloting Activity Agreement in ten local authority areas. This intervention is designed to enable young people to undertake informal learning which will help them to become ready for formal learning or employment. One of the areas selected for the pilot was Glasgow City Council who have been offered over £750,000 for this.

  Additionally, the national training programmes offered by Skills Development Scotland continue to provide skills training for this age group. The national training programmes include Modern Apprenticeships, Skillseekers and Get Ready for Work. The national training programmes are available nationwide including in the east end of Glasgow.

Employment

Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been introduced in the east end of Glasgow to provide skills training to 18 to 25-year-olds in the last 12 months.

Fiona Hyslop: The national training programmes offered by Skills Development Scotland continue to provide skills training for this age group. The national training programmes include Modern Apprenticeships, Skillseekers, Get Ready for Work and Training for Work. The national training programmes are available nationwide including in the east end of Glasgow.

  As a result of the additional £16 million we have invested in the Modern Apprenticeship Programme, Glasgow City Council has been offered additional funding of around £2 million to help create up to an additional 1,000 new Modern Apprenticeship places this year for 16-19 year olds, as part of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Initiative.

  Through ScotAction, launched on 10 June, individuals can also benefit from our skills support package for leading Scotland out of recession and on to economic growth. As part of ScotAction we have announced:

  The Adopt an Apprentice Scheme that will help us deliver on our guarantee to apprentices to find them alternative employment so that they can complete their Modern Apprenticeship. The scheme gives employers a £2,000 helping hand to take on a redundant apprentice;

  An additional 3,150 Training for Work places;

  Support for 1,250 adult apprenticeships in health and social care, including Level 4 Management MAs;

  One hundred "2 for 1" Life Sciences apprenticeships;

  An additional 170 early years apprenticeships in 2009-10 for 16 – 19 year olds and

  An additional 2,000 retail apprenticeships.

Employment

Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what new actions have been taken to tackle unemployment in the last 12 months.

Fiona Hyslop: Employment is an issue reserved to the UK Government who have introduced a range of new initiatives over the last 12 months.

  However, in addition to this, 13 Community Planning Partnerships in Scotland were awarded £38.6 million in European Social Fund (ESF) and £11.2 million in European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in 2008 grants to support more people in target areas to move towards, and into, sustained employment over the two years to 2010.

  In April this year, the eligibility rules for Training for Work (TfW), the Scottish Government’s vocational skills programme for the unemployed, were changed to allow access to the programme when people reach the three month unemployed stage – previously they had to wait for six months. Lone parents, those with disabilities and those recently made redundant are among specific groups who already have immediate access to the programme.

  An additional 3,150 TfW training places will be available in the coming year following an award of almost £3 million ESF money in June of this year.

Enterprise

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many business start-ups there were in 2008 and what information it has on such figures for the United Kingdom.

Jim Mather: The number of VAT registrations are used to monitor the number of business start-ups. However, please note that these figures do not account for all business activity as only companies with a turnover above the VAT threshold are required to register.

  Data on the number of VAT registrations are released annually by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The latest available data refer to all VAT registrations taking place in the UK in 2007, the results for 2008 will be published in November 2009.

  In 2007 there were 14,595 new VAT registrations in Scotland, while in the UK as a whole there were 205,725. Full-time series results for Scotland and the UK are available at:

  http://stats.berr.gov.uk/ed/vat/.

  The registration figures for 2007 are the highest since the series began in 1994. It is likely that these figures partly reflect the impact of changes in tax rules in April 2007 surrounding managed service companies.

  Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the business start-up rate was in each year since 2003 and what information it has on such figures for the United Kingdom.

Jim Mather: The number of VAT registrations are used to monitor the number of business start-ups. However, please note that these figures do not account for all business activity as only companies with a turnover above the VAT threshold are required to register.

  Data on the number of VAT registrations are released annually by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The latest available data refer to all VAT registrations taking place in the UK in 2007.

  The following table shows VAT registrations per 10,000 resident adults in Scotland and the UK as a whole from 2003 to 2007:

  

Vat Registrations 
(per 10,000 population)
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007


Scotland
29
29
28
28
35


UK
40
38
37
37
42



  Source: BIS.

  The registration figures for 2007 are the highest since the series began in 1994. It is likely that these figures partly reflect the impact of changes in tax rules in April 2007 surrounding managed service companies.

  Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether an analysis has been done to determine what impact changes to tax legislation had on the number of business start-ups in Scotland in 2007.

Jim Mather: Analysis to determine the impact of the changes to tax legislation on the number of business start-ups has not been published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills or the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

  The registration figures for 2007 are the highest since the series began in 1994. It is likely that these figures partly reflect the impact of changes in tax rules in April 2007 surrounding managed service companies.

  The Scottish Government is pursuing this issue with ONS, which has recently taken over the publication of the business births series.

  Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many new VAT registrations there were in 2008.

Jim Mather: Data on the number of VAT registrations are released annually by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). These figures are used to monitor the number of business start-ups. The latest available data refer to all VAT registrations taking place in the UK in 2007, the results for 2008 will be published in November 2009.

  In 2007 there were 14,595 new VAT registrations in Scotland.

  Please note that this figure does not account for all business activity as only companies with a turnover above the VAT threshold are required to register.

  The registration figures for 2007 are the highest since the series began in 1994. It is likely that these figures partly reflect the impact of changes in tax rules in April 2007 surrounding managed service companies.

  Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is available to assist businesses with the costs of achieving certification to ISO standards.

Jim Mather: None. Whether or not to have an independent audit of its management system to confirm that it conforms, for example, to ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 is a decision to be taken by a business against a range of factors. These might include if implementation of ISO standards is a contractual, regulatory or market requirement, to meet customer preferences, or if the business thinks it will motivate staff by setting a clear goal for the development of its management system.

  The best reason for wanting to implement ISO standards is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of company operations. A business can implement ISO standards without seeking certification; such certification of a management system is not always an ISO requirement.

Ministerial Meetings

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the (a) attendees at the meeting with the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire, on 23 July 2009, (b) matters discussed and (c) actions to be progressed as a result.

Stewart Stevenson: (a) The following were in attendance at the summer tour meeting at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire:

  Councillor Reid - Leader of Council;

  Councillor McDill - Whip and Spokesperson for Environment and Regeneration;

  Councillor Cook - CON Group Leader;

  Councillor McKay - LAB Group Leader;

  Mike Schafer - Chief Executive of Dumfries House Trust;

  Fiona Lees - Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council and Trustee of Dumfries

  House Trust;

  William Stafford - Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services (EAC);

  Wai-yin Hatton - Chief Executive, NHS Ayrshire and Arran;

  Chief Supt Bill Fitzpatrick - Strathclyde Police;

  Alan Murray - Strathclyde Partnership for Transport;

  Rita Miller - Community Health Partnership;

  Jim Reid - Scottish Enterprise;

  James Scott - Strathclyde Fire and Rescue;

  Eamon Lyon - Strathclyde Fire and Rescue;

  Derek Philips - Coalfield Communities Federation;

  John McFadzean - North Federation of Community Groups;

  Jean Brown - North Federation of Community Groups.

  (b) Matters discussed at the meeting included:

  The signing of the single outcome agreement, where I was given an update on the work being undertaken in the area. There was a discussion about the transport issues in the area. This included reference to the Mauchline Bypass, the A70/A71 and A76 and the issues of safety as well as the contribution to the regeneration of East Ayrshire. The council stated their appreciation regarding the changes to the railway timetables.

  (c) There were no actions to be progressed as a result of the meeting.

Planning

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on when a decision will be made on the planning application for the site formerly known as Holiday Inn, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow.

Stewart Stevenson: This application was notified to Scottish ministers on 30 March 2009 and, after careful consideration, was cleared back to Glasgow City Council on 28 April. I understand that Glasgow City Council has not yet granted planning permission but will do so on conclusion of a legal agreement covering the developer’s contribution to the Clyde Fastlink project.

  Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what advantages to bus users were considered in relation to outline planning consent being granted to Buchanan Partnership (Land Securities and Henderson Global Investors) to extend the Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish ministers are unable to provide the requested information as outline planning permission was granted by Glasgow City Council. In reaching a decision, on 9 October 2008, to clear the application back to the city council to deal with, Scottish ministers did not specifically consider the advantages to bus users. Their focus was on the broader issue of whether there were matters of genuine national interest that would warrant their intervention. Scottish ministers are aware that there are conditions attached to the outline planning consent which require that the final design of the bus station is acceptable to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), as bus station operator, and meets current and future operator and passenger requirements.

  Aileen Campbell (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the development or protection of orchards is covered by planning guidance or legislation.

Stewart Stevenson: Although orchards are not specifically highlighted, National Planning Policy Guideline 14 states that planning authorities should seek to protect trees, groups of trees and areas of woodland where they have natural heritage value or contribute to the character or amenity of a particular area. Planning authorities may therefore identify orchards in their development plans as areas to be protected from development.

  Section 159 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006) requires both Scottish ministers and planning authorities to ensure that wherever possible provision is made for the preservation or planting of trees when granting planning permission. If the orchard is in a conservation area or protected by a Tree Preservation Order, then the 1997 Act provides further legal protection. A commercial orchard may be classed as an agricultural use and the establishment or alteration of such may not require planning permission, under the terms of Section 26 of the Town and Country (Scotland) Act 1997. The decision on whether planning permission would be required rests with the relevant planning authority.

Renewable Energy

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what infrastructure investment is planned to support renewable energy projects in the Pentland Firth.

Jim Mather: An energy infrastructure requirement assessment is currently being undertaken by Scottish Enterprise, working closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Development International. This will go a significant way to identifying the current availability of infrastructure for renewable energy projects in the Pentland Firth and beyond. HIE is working with many of the developers who are currently bidding for sea bed leases in the Pentland Firth. Once the successful developers are known, HIE will be able to confirm their requirements.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive on what information Scottish ministers based their decision on the need in principle for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what alternatives to the construction of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route were considered by Scottish ministers.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what information Scottish ministers provided or made available to (a) objectors and (b) the public relating to the need in principle for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish ministers accepted the need in principle for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route based on the findings of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) study of alternative transport strategies, carried out by NESTRANS in 2002. The various reports of this study were previously available on Aberdeenshire Council’s website, and the outcomes of this study were documented in the report Delivering a Modern Transport System for North East Scotland , which can be found at http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Core%20Documents/CD08.PDF .

  Scottish ministers confirmed in their statement on transport to Parliament on 27 June 2007 that the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is vital to the north east and that they were committed to its delivery.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level and type of information provided or made available to the public by Scottish ministers on the need in principle for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route were consistent with the requirements of the Aarhus Convention.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level and type of information provided or made available to the public by Scottish ministers on the choice of route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route were consistent with the requirements of the Aarhus Convention.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision on the limits of the scope and remit of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was consistent with the requirements of the Aarhus Convention.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision on the limits of the scope and remit of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was consistent with the requirements of the European Habitats Directive.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the owners of the land on which work is ongoing or underway in preparation for the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route gave their permission for the work to proceed.

Stewart Stevenson: Yes.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities were provided for evidence for and against the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route in principle to be presented during the (a) planning, (b) public consultation and (c) public local inquiry process.

Stewart Stevenson: In addition to the consultation period following publication of draft orders, opportunities for representation were provided during the planning stages of both Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council’s Local Transport Strategies, during the planning stages of NESTRANS’ Modern Transport System (MTS), and during the public consultation exercise on alternative route corridors carried out in spring 2005.

  Details of the public local inquiry into the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, including the remit, can be found on the inquiry website at www.awpr-pli.org.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the complaint by Road Sense, the community campaign against the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, that Scottish ministers may have breached the Aarhus Convention.

Stewart Stevenson: Transport Scotland has responded in detail to the issues Road Sense has raised in their complaint. We believe that Road Sense’s allegation of breach of the requirements of the preamble and various articles of the Aarhus Convention is unfounded.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive on what information Scottish ministers based their decision on the route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what information Scottish ministers provided or made available to (a) objectors and (b) the public relating to, and what the reasons were for, the choice of route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria Scottish ministers used to decide on the route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures Scottish ministers adopted in deciding on the route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: The decision on the route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was based on the information noted in reports listed below:

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Development of Preferred Route Initial Assessment Stage Report.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Development of Preferred Route Final Assessment Stage Report.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Project Development 2005-06 Consolidation Assessment Report.

  These reports were made available from autumn 2006 on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route website at:

  http://www.awpr.co.uk/document_archive.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=&file=Documents+and+Reports.

  The reports also identify procedures and criteria adopted to determine the route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Further information was provided in the form of evidence to the recent public local inquiry, in the precognitions of Mr A Graham, Mr J Wilson, Mr R Galbraith and Dr S Henderson. These, and all other precognitions lodged during the inquiry, are available from the inquiry website at:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Precognitions%5CFull+Precognitions%5C&file=Transport+Scotland.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when planning approval was granted for the chosen route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and in what document information relating to this approval is contained.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will build and operate the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route irrespective of the report and recommendations of the public local inquiry.

Stewart Stevenson: The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is being promoted under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 which sets out the requirements for publication of draft road orders, receipt of objections and consideration of these in the forum of a public local inquiry. The Scottish ministers are currently considering the public local inquiry reporters findings and recommendations prior to deciding whether or not to proceed with the scheme. The final decision on approval will rest with the Scottish Parliament.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what information Scottish ministers provided or made available to (a) objectors and (b) the public relating to the objectives of the chosen route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: The objectives for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are set out in a number of published documents, including those listed below.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Project Development 2005-06 Consolidation Assessment Report:

  http://awpr.co.uk/document_archive.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=&file=Documents+and+Reports.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007:

  http://awpr.co.uk/document_archive.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Environmental+Statement%5C&file=September+2007.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Interim STAG Report:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS047.pdf.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what public consultation took place relating to the change to the objectives for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to include the alleviation of congestion on the A90.

Stewart Stevenson: The publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. During the statutory consultation periods the public had the opportunity to comment in respect of the proposals, including the opportunity to comment on scheme objectives.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities were provided for hearing public comment on the Milltimber Brae and Fastlink route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during the (a) planning, (b) public consultation and (c) public local inquiry process.

Stewart Stevenson: Various consultations have taken place in relation to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during which the public were invited to provide comment.

  During the period when alternative corridors were under consideration, consultation took place with a wide range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, seeking comment in respect of the various alternatives identified, which included the Milltimber Brae corridor and the Fastlink as a component of the Peterculter/Stonehaven corridor.

  During the public consultation held in spring 2005, the public were invited to comment in respect of the various alternatives identified, which included the Milltimber Brae corridor and the Fastlink as a component of the Peterculter/Stonehaven corridor.

  The publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. During the statutory consultation periods the public had the opportunity to comment in respect of the proposals, including the opportunity to object to the published scheme should they be so minded.

  In terms of the public local inquiry, there was extensive consideration of the Milltimber Brae and Fastlink route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what information Scottish ministers provided or made available to (a) objectors and (b) the public relating to the potential impact of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on wildlife habitats, designated areas and protected species.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive on what information Scottish ministers based their consideration of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will have on European protected species of wildlife along its route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being considered and introduced to mitigate any negative impacts on the Dee Special Area of Conservation and European protected species of wildlife along the route of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a commitment and reassurance that the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will not have a negative impact on the Dee Special Area of Conservation and European protected species of wildlife along its route.

Stewart Stevenson: Information relating to the potential impact of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on wildlife habitats, designated areas and protected species was made available in a number of reports, including those listed below.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007:

  http://awpr.co.uk/document_archive.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Environmental+Statement%5C&file=September+2007.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment for the River Dee SAC:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007 Additional Survey Report: Breeding Birds:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS074.pdf.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007 Additional Survey Report: Bats:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS075.pdf.

  Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Correspondence between Promoters and Consultees in relation to the Environmental Statement:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS072.PDF.

  The public local inquiry considered evidence in relation to the environmental aspects of the proposed scheme, including evidence in relation to matters included in the Environmental Statement produced in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999, as amended. The Scottish ministers are currently considering the public local inquiry reporters findings and recommendations prior to deciding whether or not to proceed with the scheme.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities were provided for hearing environment, landscape and wildlife-related evidence in relation to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during the (a) planning, (b) public consultation and (c) public local inquiry process.

Stewart Stevenson: Various consultations have taken place in relation to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during which consultees and the public were invited to provide comment in respect of environmental, landscape and wildlife issues.

  Throughout the scheme development process consultation took place with a wide range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, seeking comment on various issues, including inter-alia, environmental, landscape and wildlife.

  During the public consultation held in spring 2005 the public were invited to make comment on any issues, including inter-alia, environmental, landscape and wildlife.

  The publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. An Environmental Statement was published at the same time as the draft orders. The public had the opportunity to comment on the published scheme and also on the information contained in the Environmental Statement.

  In terms of the public local inquiry, there was extensive consideration of the environmental, landscape and wildlife issues relating to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the chosen route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route complies with the provisions and requirements of the European Habitats Directive.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be on the Dee Special Area of Conservation.

Stewart Stevenson: To date, the Scottish ministers have complied with the provisions and requirements of the European Habitats Directive.

  The Habitats Directive was implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. Regulation 48(1) and (2) make it clear that the point at which the competent authority requires to make an appropriate assessment, if necessary, is before deciding to undertake or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for a project. It is clear from Regulation 48(2) that it is as part of the statutory consent process that this procedure must be followed through.

  The Scottish ministers have not yet taken a decision to proceed with the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Such a decision will only be taken following consideration of the reporters’ report, based upon the evidence heard during the public local inquiry.

  As a decision has not yet been taken whether to proceed, the competent authority has not yet carried out the appropriate assessment in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. However, the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage, who are the statutory nature conservation advisor to the Scottish Government, indicated that, on the basis of the information provided and appraisal carried out to date, that if the proposals are undertaken strictly in accordance with specified conditions, the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will not adversely affect the integrity of the River Dee SAC (Special Area of Conservation). The advice provided by Scottish Natural Heritage was lodged as a document during the public local inquiry, a copy of which is available at:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS189.PDF.

  Transport Scotland’s consultants have prepared a report to inform an appropriate assessment (RIAA) of the impacts of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on the River Dee SAC. The approach taken to completion of the RIAA was set out in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage. A copy of the RIAA is available from the inquiry website at:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what alternative routes were considered for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to ensure that the Dee Special Area of Conservation would not be adversely affected.

Stewart Stevenson: The Habitats Directive was implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. Regulation 48(1) and (2) make it clear that the point at which the competent authority requires to make an appropriate assessment, if necessary, is before deciding to undertake or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for a project. It is clear from Regulation 48(2) that it is as part of the statutory consent process that this procedure must be followed through.

  In terms of Article (6)(3) of the Habitats Directive, the principal issue to be considered in the appropriate assessment is whether or not the project in question will adversely affect the integrity of the site. Only if a negative conclusion is reached in relation to that test, or there is uncertainty as to whether or not there would be an adverse effect on the integrity of the site, is it necessary to proceed to the considerations in Article 6(4). It is in that context that guidance from the European Commission suggests that it is necessary to consider whether the option put forward for approval is the least damaging for habitats, species and the integrity of the site and that no other feasible alternative exists that would not affect the integrity of the site.

  Transport Scotland’s consultants have prepared a report to inform an appropriate assessment (RIAA) of the impacts of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The approach taken to completion of the RIAA was set out in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage. A copy of the RIAA is available from the inquiry website at:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what alternative engineering solutions, including tunnels, were considered for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to ensure that the Dee Special Area of Conservation would not be adversely affected.

Stewart Stevenson: Alternative solutions such as tunnels have been considered, both as part of scheme development and where such proposals were submitted by parties objecting to the proposed scheme. Details of these engineering solutions can be found in the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route report on the assessment of alternative proposals and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route paper on River Dee tunnels. Both of these documents were lodged as inquiry documents and are available from the public local inquiry website at www.awpr-pli.org .

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive who decided on the scope and remit of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures were followed in deciding on the limits to the scope and remit of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish ministers decided on the scope and remit of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route public local inquiry in accordance with the statutory provisions contained within the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and The Compulsory Purchase by Public Authorities (Inquiries Procedure) (Scotland) Rules 1998.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons were for the choice of scope and remit of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-13576 on 9 June 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to decide on the limits of the scope and remit of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-13576 on 9 June 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the contents of the report and recommendations of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: The report of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was received by Scottish ministers on 30 June 2009.

  The matter is currently under active consideration and a decision will be announced as soon as possible. The report of the inquiry will be made fully available at that time.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will (a) accept and (b) deliver in full the report and recommendations of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route

Stewart Stevenson: The report of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was received by Scottish ministers on 30 June 2009.

  The matter is currently under active consideration and a decision will be announced as soon as possible. It would not be appropriate at this stage to make any further comment which could be prejudicial to the eventual outcome.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the taxpayer was of the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: The total cost incurred was approximately £2.5 million. This excludes staff costs incurred by Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government (Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals) during the inquiry process.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the legal services provided to it and to Transport Scotland during the public local inquiry into the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: The cost of legal services was approximately £0.9 million.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive how many objectors there were to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19360 on 19 January 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the cost of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was not established at the public local inquiry.

Stewart Stevenson: The cost was established. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report contained a cost estimate of £347 million at Quarter 4 2003 rates. This was the cost estimate that was used to allow like for like comparison of alternatives at the public local inquiry. A copy of the Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report  is available from the inquiry website at:

  http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS064.PDF.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory planning work has been undertaken towards the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and how much it has cost.

Stewart Stevenson: A range of preparatory work has been undertaken during the development of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Similar to other trunk road projects this has included scheme development, environmental impact assessment, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, publication of statutory documentation, topographical surveys, ground investigations and acquisition of property by voluntary agreement.

  The cost of preparatory work undertaken up to the end of June 2009, including acquisition of property by voluntary agreement, is approximately £80 million.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory engineering and construction work has been undertaken towards the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and how much it has cost.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when preparatory engineering and construction work towards the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route began.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what engineering work is ongoing or underway in preparation for the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: None.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects construction work to start on the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21263 on 9 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to be delivered and operational.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-13219 on 30 May 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what the expected cost is of the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and how it was calculated.

Stewart Stevenson: The current cost estimate for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is in the range £295 million to £395 million. The estimate is based on the risks as currently identified but we will continue to monitor this in light of prevailing tender prices for road contracts. As with all schemes, the cost estimate for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be reviewed once the statutory procedures are completed and prior to the commencement of the procurement process.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will pay for the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-24477 on 10 June 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities were provided during the (a) planning, (b) public consultation and (c) public local inquiry process for hearing evidence relating to carbon impact and impact on greenhouse gas emissions of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: Various consultations have taken place in relation to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during which consultees and the public were provided the opportunity to comment on various issues including carbon impact and impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

  Throughout the scheme development process consultation took place with a wide range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, seeking comment on various issues, including inter-alia, carbon impact and impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

  During the public consultation held in spring 2005 the public were invited to make comment on any issues, including inter-alia, carbon impact and impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

  The publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. An Environmental Statement was published at the same time as the draft orders. The public had the opportunity to comment on the published scheme and also on the information contained in the Environmental Statement which included details on air quality.

  In terms of the public local inquiry, there was specific consideration of carbon impact and impact on greenhouse gas emissions relating to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what developments have been granted planning permission within a 10-mile radius of the chosen route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive which of the developments that have been granted planning permission within a 10-mile radius of the chosen route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are predicated on the building of the proposed new route.

Stewart Stevenson: Planning approval is a matter for the respective local authorities.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost per mile has been of building and delivering new trunk roads and motorways over the last 10 years, broken down by road.

Stewart Stevenson: The total scheme cost, at time of completion, per mile of trunk roads and motorways constructed over the last 10 years, broken down by road, is shown in the following table:

  

Scheme
Cost Per Mile (£)


A1 Bowerhouse to Spott
4,486,001.65


A1 Howburn-Houndwood
3,573,807.36


A1 Haddington-Dunbar
3,725,064.33


A1 Spott-Oswald Dean
2,161,813.34


A1 Thistly Cross-Bowerhouse
5,513,187.55


A68 Dalkeith Northern Bypass
12,001,662.17


A68 Soutra Hill
1,007,587.98


A7 Auchenrivock
5,446,698.10


A7 Hawick Traffic Relief
5,346,764.39


A720 Edinburgh City Bypass Phase 1
222,932.40


A720 Edinburgh City Bypass Phase 2
5,938,813.26


A720 Sheriffhall Interim Improvements
2,011,683.86


A75 Overtaking Opportunities
7,316,365.22


A75 The Glen
1,927,591.45


A76 Glenairlie
5,186,688.44


A77 Ayr Road Route
4,735,398.21


A77 Haggstone and Glen App
17,802,348.75


A78 Ardrossan-Stevenson
11,234,820.34


A8 Baillieston-Newhouse Maintenance
5,613,974.75


A82 Base Camp Bridge
7,321,957.40


A828 Creagan Bridge
3,072,892.07


A830 Arisaig-Kinsadel
3,116,359.28


A830 Arisaig-Loch nan Uamh
5,200,098.00


A830 Rubha Na Magach-Aberarder
538,877.54


A876 Upper Forth Crossing at Kincardine
25,932,905.58


A9 Helmsdale-Ord of Caithness
5,714,126.11


A96 Coachford
5,104,163.10


A96 Newtongarry-Adamston
3,241,260.77


A985 Kincardine Eastern Link Road
12,545,333.38



  Notes:

  1. Trunk road and motorway schemes currently under construction have not been included as final outturn construction costs are not known until scheme completion.

  2. Total scheme cost includes all preparation costs, land costs, construction costs and VAT where applicable. It should be noted that land costs are still subject to negotiation following construction of a scheme. Where final outturn land costs have not been established for the schemes listed, estimated outturn land costs have been used.

  3. Privately financed projects and junction improvements constructed over the past 10 years have not been included.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive who authorised the work that is ongoing or underway in preparation for the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: All work has been authorised by the Scottish Government and its partners Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the work that is ongoing or underway in preparation for the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Stewart Stevenson: As with other trunk road projects preparation and survey work, which provides essential data required prior to construction work, continues throughout the development of a scheme in order to ensure scheme preparation is kept on schedule in the event Scottish ministers decide to proceed with the scheme following consideration of the public local inquiry reporters report.

Roads

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what negative impacts the work that is ongoing or underway in preparation for the delivery of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route has had on the surrounding land.

Stewart Stevenson: Impacts on land associated with the ground investigation in relation to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are typically limited to disturbances associated with taking access to individual locations for the purpose of carrying out the investigation work. The arrangements for carrying out this work include for making reinstatement of any damage to land that may arise as a consequence of the work.

  Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether compliance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges is a requirement for all road and bridge projects for which it provides support or approval.

Stewart Stevenson: Compliance with the requirements of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) is the norm for road and bridge projects. The DMRB contains both guidance and standards, together with a procedure for considering where departures from standards may be appropriate.

Teachers

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the new drive by the Training and Development Agency for Schools to increase the number of male teachers in schools in England.

Fiona Hyslop: It is our understanding that the Training Development Agency has not launched a new drive to increase the number of male teachers in schools in England, but that it has an ongoing commitment to encourage under-represented groups, including males, into teaching.

  Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it would consider to attract more men into primary and secondary school teaching.

Fiona Hyslop: We have considered whether to launch an advertising campaign with the objective of attracting more males into primary teaching but have no immediate plans to do so.

  Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether research has been conducted into why there are fewer male, compared with female, primary school teachers in Scotland and what the conclusions of any such research have been.

Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Government commissioned research (Riddell et al, 2005) which explored the underlying reasons for the gender imbalance for teaching in Scotland. This can be accessed from the following links:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/11/1493519/35199.

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/11/11135710/57107.

Transport

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive whether STAG appraisal is a requirement for all transport projects for which it provides support or approval and, if not, under what conditions it is not a requirement.

Stewart Stevenson: Information on the application of Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) is provided in the STAG document, which is accessible via the Transport Scotland website at:

  http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/reports/publications-and-guidance/corporate/j9760-00.htm.